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Application / Recruitment Period, 2013-2014

Student Recruitment

Project MSS recruits annually for the fall term from January 31 – March 31 of the current year. During this time applications are processed and reviewed, with admission status determined by the end of April. Applications may be submitted at anytime, however, admission status will not be determined until April of that year’s recruitment period.

Prospective Students

If you are a high junior or senior or a recent graduate of a Springfield or Decatur, Illinois school district, and are thinking about entering the teaching profession, you may be eligible for participation in the Project Midstate Student Support for Teaching (MSS) Program. Project MSS is a partnership with Springfield and Decatur public school systems and is designed to prepare “local students to become local teachers.” Candidates for the program are recruited from the participating school districts and are expected to return to these districts in a professional capacity for a minimum of two years after certification.

Project MSS students are provided a series of planned activities and incentives to increase aptitude for teaching and motivation to teach in the local area. The program consists of academic assistance, mentoring, individual advising and counseling, workshops and professional development opportunities, cultural enrichment, service learning and a stipend each semester. Participants are involved in both professional and volunteer efforts supporting the education of children. Upon acceptance, you will join a group of hard-working and high-achieving students who have made a serious commitment to teaching. Current UIS students must enroll in one of two Project courses: TEP 202: Teaching as Service, or TEP 203: Designing Instruction.

If you are interested in joining the program for the upcoming fall semester, please complete the application process by March 31.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the upcoming fall term is March 31. No applications will be considered after this time period.

Application Process

There are three entry points available for students who are currently enrolled or recent high school graduates of the Springfield or Decatur School districts:

the junior or senior year of high school;

the first two years of college or community college, or

the junior year at UIS.

All students applying for admission to the program must submit a completed application by the recruitment deadline for the upcoming fall term. Admission into the Program requires a minimum of a B grade point average and superior character determined by two letters of recommendation. In addition, a personal interview with the director may be required.

High School applicants

Students applying for admission to the program at the high school level must submit a completed application, two letters of recommendation, and a copy of high school transcripts. Students at this level should consult with the Project MSS High School Liaison in the building. Please check with the Principal or Guidance Office for the liaison at your school.

College-level applicants

Students who enter at the community college level must be admitted into the college, meet the minimum number of coursework hours required by Project MSS as well as the minimum grade point average requirement. Students applying through Lincoln Land Community College need to contact Mr. Richard Hayes at richard.hayes@llcc.edu. Students applying through Richland Community College need to contact Ms. Evyonne Hawkins at ehawkins@richland.edu. Students entering at the UIS level must meet the above listed requirements as well as admission into the Teacher Education Program. All interested students may contact the Project Office at (217) 206-7367 or email mssga@uis.edu.